Bijoux du Monde
Already a staple in the jewellery world, designer Mikel Lefler is reinventing Bijoux du Monde.

Taking cues from legendary artist Gustav Klimt's "Golden phase", Mikel incorporates 23K gold
and silver leaf into the collection while staying true to her love of insects: each piece
includes pieces of moth or butterfly wings set with resin in sterling silver frames.

All wings used come from eco friendly sources. The "Airloom" collection offers more than just jewellery, each piece a labour of love for Mikel, and truly and original work of art.

Artist's Statement
Everything that I offer in my shop is handmade in my studio at home in Vancouver, British Columbia. I came to jewellery making via an odd route-a biology degree from Simon Fraser University. It was this that sparked my interest in using insects in my art. I love insects and their beautiful colours, shapes and patterns.

I use only non-endangered and non-threatened species and buy from reputable suppliers. I studied jewellery making with a local jeweller and learned how to work with resins from my father. I absolutely love my job and am constantly inspired to create. I strive to make all my customers happy as well and will work with you to make your purchase enjoyable.

Butterfly farming
Is this eco-friendly?

Yes, butterfly farming is a burgeoning industry that supports tropical farmers while not damaging the environment. Butterfly farming provides an income otherwise obtained by clearing rainforest land for cattle raising, logging and other destructive industry. Farmers rear butterflies (and moths) on native plant species which also provides the opportunity for habitat preservation. Butterfly survival rates are much higher in farms than in the wild and many of the female (usually less colourful) species are released back into the wild helping to maintain healthy populations. The more butterflies sold means the more successful butterfly farms become and the more important the habitat preservation. In essence, using properly obtained butterflies and moths is actually beneficial to butterfly populations and the habitats they come from.

Check out this article on butterfly farming:
www.rabble.ca/news/farming-butterflies-save-rainforest